“I have been chatting with him a bit,” Ralph said.  “He has never been to school, but has been brought up at home, and I think from what he said he is the heir to an estate.  He seemed rather to look down upon schools.”

“So much the worse for him,” Captain O’Connor said.  “There is nothing like a school for bringing a fellow to his level, unless it is a regiment; and the earlier in life the process takes place the less painful it is.”

“I don’t think he will turn out a bad sort of fellow,” Ralph said.  “He is, as you say, rather an ass at present.  I will do what I can to give him a hint; but as I should say he is at least a year older than I am, I do not suppose it will be of much use.”

The voyage was a pleasant one, and Ralph was quite sorry when they entered the Cove of Cork and dropped anchor.  The next morning the ship sailed up the river, and the following day the party disembarked.  Captain O’Connor’s servant came on board as soon as the vessel reached the quay, and his master charged him to pick out his luggage and that of the two young officers; he then at once proceeded with them to the barracks.  Ralph felt extremely pleased that Captain O’Connor was with them, as he felt none of the shyness and unpleasantness he would otherwise have experienced in joining a set of entire strangers.

Captain O’Connor was evidently a favorite in the regiment, for his arrival was heartily greeted.  He at once introduced the two lads to their future comrades, took them to the colonel, looked after their quarters, and made them at home.  In their absence he spoke warmly in favor of Ralph.  “You will find Conway a first-rate young fellow.  He has seen something of the world, has been carried out to the West Indies by a French privateersman, and has gone through a lot of adventures.  He is a bright, pleasant, good-tempered fellow.  The other is as green as grass, and has never been away from his mother’s apron-string.  However, I do not think you will find him a bad sort of fellow when he has got rid of his rawness.  Don’t be too hard upon him, you boys.  Remember easy does it, and don’t be pushing your jokes too far.  He is not a fool and will come round in time.”

CHAPTER VIII.

STARTLING NEWS.

Three weeks after Ralph’s departure to join his regiment Mrs. Conway received a letter which gave her a great shook.  It was from Mrs. Withers, and was as follows: 

“My dear Mrs. Conway:  I have very sad news to tell you.  An event has happened which will, I know, be as afflicting to you as it has been to us.  Our dear friend Mr. Penfold, who but three weeks ago was so bright and happy with us in London, has passed away suddenly.  Up to the day before yesterday he seemed in his usual health; but yesterday morning he did not appear at breakfast, and the servant on going up to his room, found him sitting in a chair by his bedside